Changing Your Name After Marriage FAQ’s
Author: Jamie Quinn
- By Jamie Quinn
So, the big day has come and gone, but you still don’t know about changing your name. In New Zealand, there’s no legal requirement to change your name after saying “I do.” It’s entirely your choice! But this freedom can also lead to some confusion. Let’s dive into some frequently asked questions about changing your name after marriage.
Do I Have to Change My Name After Getting Married?
Absolutely not! New Zealand law doesn’t dictate your surname after marriage. You can choose to keep your maiden name, a name you’ve established in your career or personal life. You can adopt your partner’s surname, a tradition many couples choose to symbolise their unity. You can hyphenate them both, creating a new last name that incorporates both identities. The option of a double-barrelled surname is also popular, joining both your maiden name and your partner’s surname without a hyphen (e.g., SmithJones). Or, you can even go for something entirely new, a fresh start that reflects your new chapter together. The decision is a personal one, and there’s no right or wrong answer. Consider factors like your professional identity, personal preferences, and how you want to represent your new family unit.
What Documents Do I Need?
If you decide to adopt your partner’s surname, the good news is the process is quite straightforward in New Zealand. Many organisations simply require your marriage certificate as proof of your name change. This can be used to update your driver’s license at the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA), your Inland Revenue Department (IRD) details, and even your bank accounts.
Pro Tip: It’s a good idea to make certified photocopies of your marriage certificate for these updates, although some institutions might request the original for verification.
What About My Maiden Name?
Many women considering a name change wonder about their maiden name. In New Zealand, you have complete control! You can choose to:
Keep your maiden name entirely. This is a perfectly valid option, and many women choose to retain their professional identity built under their maiden name. It can also hold sentimental value or represent a strong lineage.
Combine your names with a hyphen. This creates a new last name that incorporates both your maiden name and your partner’s surname (e.g., Smith-Jones). This can be a good option if you want to acknowledge both identities while creating a new one.
Create a double-barrelled surname. This involves joining your maiden name and your partner’s surname without a hyphen (e.g., SmithJones). This is a popular choice for couples who want to represent both family names equally.
I’ve Decided To Make The Change, Now What?
While there’s no single, official name change process, there are a few key organisations to update.
Electoral Roll: Head online and update your name with your RealMe login. It’s a quick and easy process.
Passport: Applying for a new passport? They’ll ask about name changes. If you are married in New Zealand, simply provide your marriage certificate. If you got married overseas, you’ll need to fill out a specific form and send it with your marriage certificate.
Bank: Each bank has its own process, but generally, your marriage certificate will suffice. A quick call will clarify any specifics for your bank. Remember, updating your bank account also means updating your credit cards.
Utilities: For providers like electricity, cell phone, internet, and water, your marriage certificate and a phone call should do the trick. However, if you’re planning to move or switch providers soon, it might be easier to wait and update with the new company.
Driver’s License: For a small fee, you can update your driver’s license with your new name and get a fresh photo! Visit any NZTA office, take the eye test, have your picture taken, and pay the fee. Your new license will reflect your updated name.
House Title Deed: Changing the name on your house title deed requires a lawyer, so it’s often more practical to wait until you buy a new home and handle both name and ownership transfer simultaneously. Keep your rates bill in your existing name to avoid any confusion.
IRD: A simple phone call will do the trick! Inform them of your name change and have your marriage certificate handy for verification. You can also update your details through secure mail on your IRD logon.
Remember, the choice is yours! There’s no pressure to conform to any specific tradition. Discuss your options openly with your partner and consider what feels most comfortable and reflects your new life together. Think about how you want to be addressed professionally and personally, and how your name change might impact your children’s future surnames if you plan on having a family. Ultimately, the decision should feel empowering and celebrate this exciting new chapter in your life.
Photo by: Hollow & Co
Instagram: @hollowandco
So, the big day has come and gone, but you still don’t know about changing your name. In New Zealand, there’s no legal requirement to change your name after saying “I do.” It’s entirely your choice! But this freedom can also lead to some confusion. Let’s dive into some frequently asked questions about changing your name after marriage.
Do I Have to Change My Name After Getting Married?
Absolutely not! New Zealand law doesn’t dictate your surname after marriage. You can choose to keep your maiden name, a name you’ve established in your career or personal life. You can adopt your partner’s surname, a tradition many couples choose to symbolise their unity. You can hyphenate them both, creating a new last name that incorporates both identities. The option of a double-barrelled surname is also popular, joining both your maiden name and your partner’s surname without a hyphen (e.g., SmithJones). Or, you can even go for something entirely new, a fresh start that reflects your new chapter together. The decision is a personal one, and there’s no right or wrong answer. Consider factors like your professional identity, personal preferences, and how you want to represent your new family unit.
What Documents Do I Need?
If you decide to adopt your partner’s surname, the good news is the process is quite straightforward in New Zealand. Many organisations simply require your marriage certificate as proof of your name change. This can be used to update your driver’s license at the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA), your Inland Revenue Department (IRD) details, and even your bank accounts.
Pro Tip: It’s a good idea to make certified photocopies of your marriage certificate for these updates, although some institutions might request the original for verification.
What About My Maiden Name?
Many women considering a name change wonder about their maiden name. In New Zealand, you have complete control! You can choose to:
Keep your maiden name entirely. This is a perfectly valid option, and many women choose to retain their professional identity built under their maiden name. It can also hold sentimental value or represent a strong lineage.
Combine your names with a hyphen. This creates a new last name that incorporates both your maiden name and your partner’s surname (e.g., Smith-Jones). This can be a good option if you want to acknowledge both identities while creating a new one.
Create a double-barrelled surname. This involves joining your maiden name and your partner’s surname without a hyphen (e.g., SmithJones). This is a popular choice for couples who want to represent both family names equally.
I’ve Decided To Make The Change, Now What?
While there’s no single, official name change process, there are a few key organisations to update.
Electoral Roll: Head online and update your name with your RealMe login. It’s a quick and easy process.
Passport: Applying for a new passport? They’ll ask about name changes. If you are married in New Zealand, simply provide your marriage certificate. If you got married overseas, you’ll need to fill out a specific form and send it with your marriage certificate.
Bank: Each bank has its own process, but generally, your marriage certificate will suffice. A quick call will clarify any specifics for your bank. Remember, updating your bank account also means updating your credit cards.
Utilities: For providers like electricity, cell phone, internet, and water, your marriage certificate and a phone call should do the trick. However, if you’re planning to move or switch providers soon, it might be easier to wait and update with the new company.
Driver’s License: For a small fee, you can update your driver’s license with your new name and get a fresh photo! Visit any NZTA office, take the eye test, have your picture taken, and pay the fee. Your new license will reflect your updated name.
House Title Deed: Changing the name on your house title deed requires a lawyer, so it’s often more practical to wait until you buy a new home and handle both name and ownership transfer simultaneously. Keep your rates bill in your existing name to avoid any confusion.
IRD: A simple phone call will do the trick! Inform them of your name change and have your marriage certificate handy for verification. You can also update your details through secure mail on your IRD logon.
Remember, the choice is yours! There’s no pressure to conform to any specific tradition. Discuss your options openly with your partner and consider what feels most comfortable and reflects your new life together. Think about how you want to be addressed professionally and personally, and how your name change might impact your children’s future surnames if you plan on having a family. Ultimately, the decision should feel empowering and celebrate this exciting new chapter in your life.
Photo by: Hollow & Co
Instagram: @hollowandco
